Give a gift that helps others this year
December 11th 2011 02:07
This year, do something different. Give a gift that will help others. Really, Aunt Shirley doesn't need another orange sweater and Grandpa Bob doesn't need another remote control holder. But there are charities that could use the donations to feed hungry, homeless children and families or help an elderly person with medical care for their pets (often their only companion).
Even better, let your children help with picking the gift. It's never too early to teach them compassion and caring over materialism. Is Cousin Marsha an animal lover? Let the kids decide which animal to adopt in her name. Does Brother Bill work in the medical field? Let the kids decide if a contribution should be made in his name to a children's hospital or to doctors without borders.
There is a non-profit to fit every person on your list. Here are a few:
For animal lovers -
Donate:
Humane Society
Best Friends Animal Society
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Your local animal shelter/humane society
Buy Gifts/Adopt an Animal:
Shop at the Humane Society
Donate a doghouse for dog that lives outside
Choice of 28 wild animals to adopt (includes plush version of the animal)
Sponsor an animal at Best Friends
Adopt/Sponsor a farm animal
Help others/families/children in need -
Doctors without Borders
Feeding America/Second Harvest (you can look for a local chapter in your area)
American Red Cross
Americares
Food not bombs
Wheelchair Foundation
This is just a tiny list, there are hundreds more out there. And don't forget, donations to non-profits are tax-deductible.
Even better, let your children help with picking the gift. It's never too early to teach them compassion and caring over materialism. Is Cousin Marsha an animal lover? Let the kids decide which animal to adopt in her name. Does Brother Bill work in the medical field? Let the kids decide if a contribution should be made in his name to a children's hospital or to doctors without borders.
There is a non-profit to fit every person on your list. Here are a few:
For animal lovers -
Donate:
Humane Society
Best Friends Animal Society
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Your local animal shelter/humane society
Buy Gifts/Adopt an Animal:
Shop at the Humane Society
Donate a doghouse for dog that lives outside
Choice of 28 wild animals to adopt (includes plush version of the animal)
Sponsor an animal at Best Friends
Adopt/Sponsor a farm animal
Help others/families/children in need -
Doctors without Borders
Feeding America/Second Harvest (you can look for a local chapter in your area)
American Red Cross
Americares
Food not bombs
Wheelchair Foundation
This is just a tiny list, there are hundreds more out there. And don't forget, donations to non-profits are tax-deductible.
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